Rogers Garden students succeed on pilot reading program

Students

succeed in

reading

BRADENTON -- An eight-week collaboration between students at Rogers Garden Elementary School, Bradenton Marauders, Manatee County Public Library System and the Manatee Community Foundation has increased student reading abilities.

While focusing on baseball, 183 kindergarten through grade five students took pre- and post-program assessments consisting of 25 multiple choice questions. The number of correct answers on the post-test more than doubled, according to officials.

The initiative used baseball to engage children using sports-themed lesson plans. Players from the Bradenton Marauders visited the school, students were given a free copy of "Casey Back at Bat" and more than 60 students and their families earned a trip to a Marauders game.

'Bulls in Biz' returns to USF, Sarasota-Manatee Oct. 7

SARASOTA -- The USF Sarasota-Manatee's "Bulls in Biz" networking event will bring in almost twice as many employers are previous years, according to officials.

As of Tuesday, 27 companies were in and more expected to sign before the two-hour fair kicks off at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 in the USFSM courtyard, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Bulls in Biz debuted in 2011 with 15 businesses signed.

Sports-themed inflatables will be set up in the courtyard and food trucks will provide refreshment. Rocky the USF mascot is set to make an appearance as well.

Employers will meet one-on-one with USFSM students eyeing job and internship opportunities. The local alumni chapter will send representatives as well.

State College of Florida offers 'One-Stop' admission

BRADENTON -- Prospective students and parents are invited to learn more about State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota programs and services from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Building 1, and SCF Venice, 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Building 100.

SCF student services staffers will answer questions about career choices, class registration and financial aid, and provide step-by-step assistance to complete an application.

Applicants can apply online at scf.edu/admissions and bringing their welcome letter to an Admissions Express event.

SCF offers associate degrees with courses available at SCF campuses and online for students who intend to transfer to university programs, start a professional career or continue at SCF in select baccalaureate programs. SCF's baccalaureate degrees are designed with the area's workforce demands in mind.

Information: Call SCF Bradenton at 941-752-5050 or email admissions@scf.edu. Maps and directions are online at scf.edu/maps.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Rogers Garden students succeed on pilot reading program ."